The Diva Half Marathon in Myrtle Beach

Lish and I

I woke up very early the morning of Sunday, May 20^th for the Diva Half Marathon in North Myrtle Beach, SC.  It was a 7 am start time, and with parking concerns my friend Lish and I left our hotel at 5:30 am.  We parked and rode the shuttle to the race start.  The day was beautiful and the weather was perfect!  We were all concerned the day before the race about tropical storm Alberto making a presence.  Thankfully, Albert stayed at sea and gave us a perfect race day. 

The running momma

The thing I love most about running is the friends I have made.  When Lish and I got to the race staging area, I recognized one of my Facebook friends, Michelle.  She let out a squeal as she ran toward me to hug me.  I was just as happy to finally meet her.  Then it was time to meet up with my running momma  friends that I had dinner with the night before.  We took a few group pictures, then we all as a group headed to the race start. 

Love this sign! 

There were no corrals at this race.  At first, I was not sure how I felt about this, but it seemed to work well.  Race organizers hung up estimated minutes per mile speeds.  Runners were asked to start the race near their estimated pace.  I started in the twelve minute per mile pace with my friend Lish and some of the slower running mommas.  Since I was so far back, I did not get to hear the start of the race.   Half the race was behind me, so none of them got to hear it either.  The crowd started moving forward slowly, and with about seven minutes on the clock, I crossed the start! 

I got this picture from a friends Facebook page.  A sea of Divas!

The first three-ish miles were run on the road the parallels the ocean.  Although there were lots of hotels between us and the ocean, we got plenty of glimpses of the beautiful Atlantic and felt her beautiful breezes.  This part of the race was crowded but maneuverable.  Here is where I ran into my friend Jen dressed as Rainbow Bright.  The course took a turn and we began to run through a residential neighborhood.  After that, the course went through the staging area.  There were so many people—friends, family, children—cheering us on.  I always enjoy reading signs people make to cheer on their loved ones at races. 

Tiara and Boa station

By this time, it was getting very hot and very sunny!  I was still running strong by the time I hit mile marker nine.  This was the mile along a main highway and past my hotel.  We then turned into a brand her neighborhood still under construction.  These were some of the most beautiful homes I have ever seen.  Around mile ten and a half, I began to feel very nauseated.  I tried to fight it off, I tried to keep running but I could not.  Water did not help, Gatorade did not help.  I ended up walking most of the last two miles, on the same ocean front road we stated the race on.

Kendrick and I at the finish

At mile thirteen, there was the signature Diva tiara and feather boa stop!  This was so much fun.  They had several tiaras to choose from, some with pink or purple rhinestones.  After the tiara and boa stop, I started to run toward the finish.  I ran though the finish line and a medal was placed around my neck by a shirtless fireman.  I looked up at the clock and noticed I beat my first half marathon time by about thirty minutes!  The official Diva training, Kendrick,  was just past the finish line congratulating runners.  I got to meet him at the expo, but was so excited to see him again at the finish line.  I headed off to the Diva café to get some food and water, and wait for my friends to finish.  After some fun pictures with friends, it was time to head back to my hotel to see my daughter. 

My Diva bib and medal

MyOverall the Diva Half Marathon was a great, very well organized event.  Parking was easy, bag check was very efficient and the course was well marked.  Was it as magical as the runDisney Princess Half?  Maybe not, but to me, nothing will be. My second half marathon was a success.  I can’t wait to run like a Diva in Long Island on October 7^th! 

A dream is a wish…

--Amy

Have you checked out my Memorial Day virtual 5k to benefitthe Leukemia and Lymphoma Society?  I would really appreciate your support! 

The start line!